Laundry folding machines



Jan. 24, 1961 B. A. BUSS LAUNDRY FOLDING MACHINES Filed Jan. 27, 19 5 8INVENTOR JKZOO BRmJc/m'm AlmimBmb m mfi azsm ATTORNEYj United StatesPatent F LAUNDRY FOLDING MACHINES Benjamin Alvin Buss, East Moliue,Ill., assignor to American Machine and Metals, Inc., East Moline, 111.,a corporation of Delaware Filed Jan. 27, 1958, Ser. No. 711,509

7 Claims. (Cl. 270-69) This invention relates to a control system for atextile article processing arrangement, and particularly to a controlsystem wherein a sequence controller governs the operation of aplurality of timing mechanisms employed in such apparatus for actuatingfolding means for operating on successive articles.

In laundry folding machines, it is necessary to fold a series ofarticles which are successively fed thereto. For example, in commerciallaundries the pieces of laundry such as sheets are washed, ironed andfolded by automatic equipment. The sheet folding apparatus employedrequires the use of a control which will insure that the successivefolding operations will be performed at selected proportionately spacedpoints and such must be done even when articles may be closely spaced.To accomplish this, a suitable control system may include a timingmechanism which controls the operation of one or more folding devicesthat actually perform the folding operations. The number of foldingdevices employed in such a system usually corresponds to the number offolds desired in the sheets being folded.

While the use of a single timing mechanism in a machine may besufiicient for some laundries, it is not in laundries where the timeinterval between successively fed sheets may be extremely small. If asingle timing mechanism Were employed for a folding machine, the timeinterval between successively fed sheets would have to be madesufficiently large so that operations on a single article would becompleted before the next succeeding sheet could be fed to the machine.In order to take care of this problem, a plurality of timing mechanismscan be utilized in conjunction with a sequence controller governing thesequence of their operation. The sequence controller functions to insurethat control of the folding devices for a single sheet is exercised byonly one of the timing mechanisms, the next timing mechanism being usedfor the next sheet. Thus, the folding operations can continue at theirnormal rate irrespective of the time interval between successively fedsheets.

One of the objects of this invention is to provide a control system forarticle processing apparatus which is accurate in operation and whichwill function even when articles are closely spaced in the machine.

Another object of this invention is the provision of an improvedsequence controller for use in article processing apparatus controlsystems of the type employing a plurality of timing mechanisms whichwill permit each timing mechanism to complete its folding controlfunction.

A further object of the invention is to provide an arrangement whereinthe number of timing mechanisms needed can be reduced.

In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of timing mechanisms for themachine or each lane thereof can be provided each being arranged tocontrol sequentially following means for a sheet or textile article tobe folded. A sequence controller transfers control of a sensing switchor sheet measuring means sequentially to the various timmg" mechanisms.A means is connected to said sensing Patented Jan. 24, 1961 switch andthe sequence controller arrangement to insure completion of each foldingoperation even though the next article has reached the sensing means andis being measured by the next tier of timing mechanisms. This canbe'accomplished, for example, by employing control relay means operableby the sensing switch to provide a by-pass circuit for the timingmechanisms so that they will remain energized after an article haspassed the sensing switch.

These and other objects, advantages and features of the invention willbecome apparent from the following description and drawings.

In the drawing;v

Fig. 1 shows a schematic wiring diagram of a folding and timingapparatus made in accordance with the present invention.

Reference may be made to copending application Serial No. 545,872, filedNovember 9, 1955, now Patent No. 2,858,129, for details of one form ofmeasuring and folding devices and timing mechanisms, it being understoodthat any suitable arrangement can be used.

' As an example, one system with which the present invention can be usedis illustrated in said copending application Serial No. 545,872. Brieflyand in general, folder conveyor motor 40 may be connected between powerlines L1, L2. Sheet A is illustrated as being transported on theconventional endless conveyor ribbon belt means 10, said belt meanspassing over spaced rollers 11, 12, sheet A being fed therefrom ontobelt 13. Conveyor belt means 19, cooperating with belt means 13, isarranged to receive sheet A so that the sheet will be gripped betweenbelts 13 and 19 and carried thereby.

As the sheet passes over roll 17, it can be directed downwardly, thesheet passing in front of the first folding station. Any number of lanescan be used, for example, five, a separate folding apparatus 23 with itsrelated valve 25 being provided for each lane. Mechanical folders alsocould be used, although pneumatic ones are preferred.

Pneumatic blast folding arrangements including a manifold or pipe 24extending across each of the lanes can be provided, air thereto beingcontrolled by a suitable solenoid valve 25 for each pipe, the valvebeing opened by a signal from the timing mechanism for the particularlane or lanes.

When the sheet reaches a correct position in front of the air blast asdetermined by the measuring and timing apparatus being employed, theparticular air blast'solenoid valve is energized so as to blow and movea center portion of the sheet between the first folding roll means 26and 27, belt 28 being guided by the first folding rollers 26 and 18.

The folded edge N of sheet B then will be moved on belt 28 so as to passdownwardly over roll 18 and in front of the second folding apparatus 29for each lane. Similar to the first folding means 23, each of the secondfolding apparatus preferably may comprise an air blast manifold or pipe30 for each lane and solenoid valve 31 operable to control the flow ofair from pipe 30. The second folding rolls 32, 33 are arranged similarto the first station, belt means 34 being guided by roll 33 and roll 35.

If a second fold is to be made in the sheet, the once folded edge N ofsheet B moves downwardly as indicated in dotted lines 36 and will beguided by guide 37. At an appropriate time and in proportion to thelength of the sheet, the second air blast folder 29 will be activated soas to cause the desired portion of the sheet orarticle to move sidewiseinto gripping relationship betweenfolding rolls 32 and 33. r a

Air blast solenoid valves 25 and 31 will be actuated at appropriatetimes in accordance with the timing mecha nism as governed by theappropriate sheet measuring switch or sensing finger for the piece asdescribed in said copending application Serial No. 545,872. In the eventthat only a singlefold is to be made, air biast 29 may be activated bythe timing mechanism so that the leading edge N of sheetB will receive ablastof air before or as it reaches folding rolls 32, 33, so that theleading folded edge N will be .drawn directly between the side rolls andcarried .to collecting station 39. 'Ih's feature is not absolutelynecessary in the present invention.

Normally, a plurality. of.timing. and selecting means will be used foreach lane, such as shown in said application Serial No. 545,872, but itis to be understood that other types of selecting and. timing mechanismscan be employed. Usually a plurality of timing mechan sms have beenrequired, such as four, for each tier but by the use of the presentinvention, it 'hasbeen found pos- Sible to reduce the number to two foreach tier.

In order to control successive operations of folding mechanisms-23 and29 and provide the successive timed blasts of air whena plurality ofsheets, one following the other, pass through the machine, a pluralityof timing mechanisms 200, 300, 400 and 500 can be prov'ded as needed.Each of the timingmechanisms governs folding operations of the air blastfolding means 23 and 29. Each of the timing mechanisms may consist of aplural'ty of subtiming devices, one for each of the folding means ,used.Timing devices 300,400 and 500 may be similar to timing device 200.

Timing device. 200 may have subtiming mechanisms 201, 202, subtimingmechanism 201 operating the first pneumatic blast folding mechanism andsubtIming me ns 202 operating thesecond pneumatic blast timing mechanismat the desired time.

Each of the subtiming devices 201 and 202 in the timing mechanism 200 iscontrolled by measuringswitch means 38 and motor switch means 41, otherse'ector switches 42, 43, 44 being provided as indicated in block 45,said selector switches being operated, for exam le, by a cam meansschematically shown at 46. In normal operation, successive sheetspassing the measurfng swItch' will activate successive ones of thetiming devices 200, 300, 400 and 500 so as to provide operation of theafr blast means at the required time.

Subtiming device 201 controlling air blast means 23 may be composed of acam 47 having an indentton 48 therein. High constant speed motor 49drives cam 47 through over-running clutch means 50, while low constantspeed motor 51 drives cam 47 through overrunni g clutch means 52. Thus,cam 47 can be driven-by-e'th r of motors 49 or ,51, the sow speed motordrlvfng the cam as a sheet ispassing the measuring finger.

A switch 53 is placed. at a predetermined locaton relative to. cam 47and serves to operate the first station air blast means 23 when theindentation 48 on the cam is engaged by follower 54 of switch 53.Fur'her along periphery of cam 47 is located switch 55 with anarsociated follower, switch 55 operating to control energ'zation of highspeed motor 49 by means of the action of notch. 48 and the follower.

The other subtiming device 202 controls orerationof the'second air blastfolding means :29, and can be composed of cam 56 and motors 57 and 58corresponding to similar elements in device 201, motors 57 and 58 havingoverrunning clutches to permit rotation of cm 56 by either of saidmotors. Switch 59 with its asscc'ated follower serves to controlenergization of air blast folding means 29, while switch 60 with itsassociated follower provides control of high speed motor 57. Switch 53is connected to supply lineL-2 by lead 100 and the fiXTd contact isconnected to folding means 25 by leads 101, 102. Switch 55 is connectedto supply line L-l while the fixed contact thereofis connected to highspeed motor. Switch 59 has its movable member connected to supply lineL-Z and its contact connected to folding means 29. 8

Measuring switch 38 is actuated by a sheet or other article betweenconveyor belts 13 and 19. A spring 38A is provided to keep switch 38 ina position to be engaged by a sheet. In this position, the movablemember 38B of the measuring switch engages fixed contact 115, and when asheet depresses the article engaging portion of the switch, the member388 engages fixed Contact 116. Switch member 3813 is directly connectedto supply line L-l. During the time that the sheet depresses themeasuring finger, the slow speed motors of the respective subtimingdevices will be'energized, and when the sheet passes, the high speedmotor of each will be energized to actuate the appropriate foldingmeans.

Motor 63 is connected across the supply lines L-l and L 2 by a circuitconsisting of movable member 388, either of leads 118 or 120, and themovable member 62 of timer switch 61. The relative positions of themovable members 383 and 62 of switches 38 and 61, respectively,determine whether lead 118 or lead 120 will complete the energizingcircuit to the motor. When both switches 38 and 61 are in their normalpositions as shown by the full line construction in the drawfng, theenergizing circuit for motor 63 is open and these? quence controllerinoperative. Should the leading edge of a sheet placed on the beltsactuate switch 38, an energizing circuit for motor 63 is completedthrough lead 120 causing the motor 63 to rotate. At this time, the lowspeed motors of timing mechanism 200 also will be energized. The motor63 will continue to rotate until timer switch 61 is actuated to thedotted line positfon shown in Fig. l of the drawing, when the energizingcircuit for the motor will be broken.

After the trailing edge of the sheet passes the article engaging portionof the measuring switch 38, spring 38A becomes operative to returnswitch 38 to its normal position. When this occurs, the energizingcircuit for motor 63 is completed through 118 since the movable member117 of switch 61 is in the dottted line position shown. The cammechanism 46 in block 45 is arranged as set forth in copendingapplication Serial No. 545,872, so that motor 63 need only rotate ashort distance before cam actuated switch 41 assumes its inoperativeposition and the neXt switch 42, its operative position. This same roetation of motor 63 has also rotated timer switch 61 so that timerswitch61 has been returned to its normal position illustrated by thefull line construction of the drawing. With the timer. switch 61 againin its normal position, the energizing circuit for motor63 is brokenandthe sequence controller is ready for the next sheet. High speed motors49 and 57 of timing mechanism 200 are still energized through switch 41even though control by the measuring switch 38 has been transferred tothe low speed motors of timing mechanism 300. Thus, cams 47 and 5 6 oftiming mechanism 200 continue to rotate at high speed and close switch53 and 59 which control folding means 23 and 29, respectively. When cams47 and 56 have com.- pleted one full revolution, switches 55 and 60 areopened as explained above, to ,deenergize the high speed motors.

In theaforernentioned operation, pneumatic blast folding devices 23 and29 are operated in their proper sequence inaccordance with the length ofthe sheet so as .to produce a double fold in the sheet.

In the event it is desired to produce only a single fold, switch can beused so that the same pulse is fed to both solenoid valves, such notbeing part of the present invention.

In some instances, if the next sheet follows rather closely, there maybe an inaccuracy because of the prior timing mechanism not havingcompleted its operation. In order to prevent this, a control relay R asdescribed hereafter can be included, said relay operating normallyclosed switches CR CR CR and CR Lead 101 connects each of the movableblades of se- 5. quence switches 41,- 42, 43 and 44 to lead L4. Thefirst selector switch 41 is shown in position so as to cause operationof its timer 200 by the sensing switch 38. Contact arm 103 thereof is incontact with 104 so that power will be applied through lead 99 to thelow speed motors of the sub-timing device 201 and 202 when switch 38 isis depressed by an article passing thereover. After the articlecompletes its pass over the sensing switch motor 63 will be operated soas to cause blade 103 to move into engagement with contact 105 and thusenergize the high speed motors 49, 57 of the sub-timing means 201 and202 of timing mechanism 200. At the same time, the next sequence switch42 will have its movable blade moved in readiness for the actuation ofthe next timing mechanism 300 as the next piece passes the sensing means38. Normally closed relay R is connected between lead 120 to motor 63and line L-2, said relay when energized opening normally closed switchCR as well as the other normally closed switches. It can be seen thatcontrol relay R is connected to the common side 116 of the measuringswitch when it is in its measuring condition so that control relay isenergized. Upon completion of the measuring operation, sequence switchblade 103 of the first tier of timing mechanisms will start to move. Thecontrol relay R, however, will open and thus permit the normally closedcontacts of CR to close immediately which will continue operation of thehigh speed motors of the respective timing mechanism until their circuitis opened by their motor switch, e.g., switches 55 and 60. In themeantime, sequence switch 42 of the second tier for controlling thesecond timing mechanism 300 will be moved and closed awaiting themeasuring operation of the next piece to pass through the machine. Whenthe next piece passes through the machine, the sensing finger of themeasuring switch moves in response to a piece passing thereover so thatthe low speed motors of the second tier or second subtiming mechanism300 will be operated, such continuing until the measuring switch againmoves to the full line position in the drawing. This will open thecontrol relay circuit again and permit all of the normally closedcontacts CR to CR to close including specifically CR which cooperateswith sequence switch 42. Such will provide for continuation of theoperation of the high speed motors of the timing mechanisms which maythen be activated until their respective switches have been opened. Itcan be seen that activation of the control relay will take placeinstantly and thus bridge the circuit and this will compensate for anytime delay that might possibly be involved in the movement of thesequence switch between its two positions.

As a result of this arrangement herein, it can be seen that the spacebetween sheets and towels and the time necessary for them to pass alongthe conveyor will be available to complete rotation of the cam of thesequence controller before the circuit is completely transferred to thenext tier or timing mechanism. I

It should be apparent that the details of construction can be varied andthat other types of sequence operators and switches can beemployedwithout departing from the invention except as defined in theappended claims. I i

What is claimed is: i

1. A control system for textile article processing apparatus adapted toreceive successively fed articles of varying length measured along theirpath of travel through said apparatus comprising textile articleoperating means adapted to perform selected operations upon the articlesbeing processed in sequence; a plurality of timing mechanisms each beingconnected to said article operating means for controlling said articleoperating means; sensing means disposed in said path of travelresponsive to said length of the articles being processed as they passsequentially thereby and adapted sequentially to control each of saidtiming mechanisms; and sequence controller means for sequentiallytransferring control by said sensing means to each of said timing mecha-6 L nisms' as articles pass in sequence so that one of the timingmechanisms assumes control of the articleop erating means for aparticular article being processed; said sequence controller meansperforming its transfer function in two discrete steps, the first stepbeing performed as the article is being sensed by said sensing means andthe second step being performed by said sequence controller means afterthe article has passed said sensing means so as to transfer control tothe nextv timing mechanism, said sensing means, after the article hasbeen sensed, continuing operation of each of said timing mechanismsafter it has been activated while said sequence controller is changingfrom said first step to said second step.

2. A control system for textile article processing apparatusadapted toreceive successively fed articles of varying length measured along theirpath of travel through said apparatus comprising textile articleoperating means adapted to perform selected operations upon the articlesbeing processed in sequence; a plurality of timing mechanisms each beingconnected to said article operating means for controlling said articleoperating means; sensing means disposed in said path of travelresponsive to said length of the articles being processed as they passsequentially thereby and adapted sequentially to control each of saidtiming mechanisms; sequence controller means for sequentiallytransferring control by said sensing means to each of said timingmechanisms as articles pass in sequence so that one of the timingmechanisms assumes control of the article operating means for aparticular article being processed, said sequence controller meansperforming its transfer func tion in two discrete steps, the first stepbeing performed, as the article is being sensed by said sensing means,by a cam means operated by said sequence controller means and the secondstep being performed by said cam means after the article has passed saidsensing means so as to transfer control to the next timing mechanism,and control relay means connected with said sensing means and saidsequence controller means actuable to continue op eration of each ofsaid timing mechanisms while said sequence controller is changing fromsaid first step to said second step thereby.

3. A control system for textile article processing apparatus adapted toreceive successively fed articles of varying length measured along theirpath of travel through said apparatus comprising textile articleoperating means adapted to perform selected operations upon the articlesbeing processed in sequence; a plurality of timing mechanisms each beingconnected to said article operating means for controlling said articleoperating means; sensing means disposed in said path of travelresponsive to said length of the articles being processed as they passsequentially thereby and adapted sequentially to. control each of saidtiming mechanisms; and sequence controller means for sequentiallytransferring control by said sensing means to each of saidtiming'mechanisms as articles pass in sequence so that one of the timingmechanisrns assumes control of the article operating means for aparticular article being processed, said sequence controller meansperforming its transfer function in two discrete steps, the first stepbeing performed, as the article is being sensed by said sensing means,by a cam means operated by said sequence controller means and the secondstep being performed by said cam means after the article has passed saidsensing means so as to transfer control to the next timing mechanism,and con-' trol relay means connected with said sensing means and saidsequence controller means actuable to continue operation of each of saidtiming mechanisms while said sequence controller is changing from saidfirst step to said second step, and means stopping each of said timingmechanisms upon completion of its movement.

4. A control system for textile article processing apparatusadapted toreceive successively fedarticles of varying length 'measured alongtheir'path of travel through said appa'ratus 'comprisingtextile' articlefolding means adapted to perform folding operations upon thearticlesvbeing processed in sequenceya plurality of timing mechanismseach being connected to said article operating means and sequentiallyoperable to eontrol said folding means; sensing means disposed in saidpath of travel operable by said length of the articles being processedas'they pass sequentially thereby and adapted sequentially to controleach of said timing mechanisms and the folding meansj sequencecontroller means operable as a succeeding article readies said sensingmeans for sequentially transferring control by said sensing means toeach of said timing mechanismsasarticles pass 'in sequence so that oneof the timing mechanisms assumes Control of the article operating meansfor a particular article being processed, 'said sequence controllermeans performing its transferfunctions in two discrete steps, the firststep being performed; as the'a'rticle is being sensed by said sensingmeans, by a'cam means operated by said sequencefcontroller means and thesecond step being performed by. saidrcam means. after the article haspas'seds'aid sensing means 'so as totransfer control to the next'tirningmechanism, and relay means connected to said sensing means andfltosaidsequence controller means operable to continue operationof each ofsaid timing mechanisms after it hasrbeen' activated while said sequencecontroller is changing from said first step to said second step andbefore a succeeding article has activated the sensing means. i

5. A control system for textile article processing apparatus adapted toreceive successivelyied articles of varying length measured alongtheirpatli of travel through said apparatus comprising textile articlefolding means adapted to perform folding operations upon the articlesbeing processed in'seque'rice; a plurality of timing mechanisms eachbeing connected. to said article operating means and sequentiallyoperable tocontrol said folding means; sensing means disposed in saidpath of travel and operable by said length of the. articles beingprocessed as they passfsequentially therebyfandfadapted. sequentially tocontrol each of said timing mechanisms and the folding means; sequencecontroller me ansoperable as a succeeding article readies said sensingmeans for sequentially transferring control by said sensing means to;each of said timing mechanisms ,as articles pass in. sequence so thatone of the timing mechanisms assumes control of the article operatingmeans for a particulararticle being processed, said sequence controllermeans having switch means operable between twopositions, said switchmeans being in the first position ,as the article is being sensed bysaid sensing means and the said Switch means being in said secondposition aiterthe apticle has passed said sensing means so as .totransfer control to the next timing mechanism and relay means connect edto said sensing means and to said sequence controller means operable tocontinue operation of each of 'said timing mechanisms after it has beenactivated e,.sai d sequence controller is changingfrom saidfirst ep tosaid second step and befo'r'e'a s'ucceedinga rticle h "activated thesensing means, said relay meansbypassing'said sequence controller switchmeans'wheninone its positions. 6. A control system for textile articlefolding apparatus adapted to receive successively fed articles ofvarying length measured along their path of traveltlirough saidapparatus comprising article folding means adapted to fold said articlesas they pass in sequence thereby; a plurality of measuring and timingmechanisms each being connected to said article operating means; forcontrolling said folding meannsen'sing means disposed in said path oftravel responsiveto's'aid length of't'he articles as 'tliey passsequentially thereby and adapted sequentially: to control each ofisa'idtiming mechanisms in accordanee withthe length of the'pa ssihgarticle's; sequence eonirejnsr means for normally sequentiallytransferring control by said sensing means to each 'o'f'said timingmechanisms as articles pass in s equeilc'elsothat one of the'tin'iingincohanisms assumes control of the article eperanngmeans "for a'particular articlebeingprocessed; said se uence com troller meansperforming its? transfer -"function in two discrete steps, the-firststep beingpe'rformei'asthearticle is being sensed by said sensingmeans,'-'l: 'y aeafn in ans operated by said sequence'controller meansand the sag;- ond' step being performed by said cam means after thearticle has passed saidsensing means so 'a's to transfer control to thenext timing mechanism; the next timing mechanisms being operableby thenext article passing and means continuing operation'of 'aeh' f saidtiming mechanisms after it has been activated while' said 's'e quencecontroller is changing from said first'ste'p to said second'st'epan dbefore a succeeding article has activated a'timingmechanism. i 7. Acontrol system for article processing apparatus of the type adaptedltoreceive successively fed: articles of varying length, comprising articleoperating means adapted to perform selected operations atproportionately spaced points alongthe lengths of said articles; aplurality of. timing mechanisms for selectively controlling said articleoperating means and being of the type having one sub-timing deviceincluded therein for each of the article operating means beingcontrolled, each of said sub-timing devices having two rates ofoperation which are proportionately related to the rate at which saidarticles' are fed into the processing apparatus and which permit it toactuate .its associated article operating means at such time as tocauserthe selected operation to be performed at one of saidproportionately spaced points on an article being processed; sensingmeans responsive to the'length ofan article being processed "and adaptedto control the duration of operation of, said sub-timing devices at eachof their rates of operation; sequence 'switch means 015- erabletofsequentially. transfer control f by said' sensing means tofeachoftsaid timinglmechanisms so that each timing mechanism. controls the.article operating means for a particulararticle being'processed; motor.means for operating said sequence switch means;.and timer' switch meansoperated by said motor means, saidtimer switch means and said sensingmeans being jointly operable to control said motor means such as.thatsaid motor means operates intwo discrete stepsto effectfeachsequential transfer by said sequence switch means, the first step takingplaceas 'anvarticle isbeing sensed and the second step. takingtplage ina shorterniriterval of .timerelative to the first step so that controlistransferred tov the next timing mechanism ,for he next.articlereachingrthe. se'nsing means, and means actuablein response tosaid sensing means after passage offani article with. respect ltotsaidsensing rneansgfsaidmeam continuing theoperation of each of said timingmechanisms until said motor means changes from. said-first'step to saidsecond step.

References Cited in the; file of this patent UNITED STA'lES PATENT S2,516,454 Doran July' 25, 19 50 1 2,643,879 Spreckelmeier June;30, 19532,783,994 Petre Mar.v 5, .1957 2,858,129 Buss Oct. 28,; 1958

